Today we will listen to Abby read the first chapter of Matched by Ally Condie.  Matched is a young adult dystopian novel set in a society where young adults are matched to their "perfect" mate.  The novel follows Cassia as she tries to decide which mate to pick: Xander, her best friend or Ky, someone she barely knows.  Cassia is faced with this dilemma due to a glitch in the system that allowed two names to appear on her matched screen.  Who will she choose?  Have a listen with us as Abby reads the first chapter.  Then, decide if it's worth your time!  Come by the library or check out SORA to read this novel.

First Chapter Friday: Matched by Ally Condie

Join us today in this episode as Abby and Austin discuss Not Hungry by Kate Karyus Quinn.  Not Hungry is a YA novel by author Kate Karyus Quinn.  The novel centers on main character, June, who is an overweight teen.  June has an eating disorder, but no one notices because she is overweight.  Her secret is safe until her new neighbor discovers what she is hiding, but he has a secret, too!  Listen to Abby and Austin's take on this different take of eating disorders among teens.

Not Hungry by Kate Karyus Quinn

In this episode Natalie and Connor discuss The Long Walk by Stephen King.  Originally published under the pseudonym, Richard Bachman, the novel is a dystopian/horror novel written by one of the best horror authors in modern history.  The story follows sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty as he begins a national contest in a dystopian America known as The Long Walk.  In this contest 100 participants must begin walking 4 miles per hour until the last man is standing.  They cannot receive any outside assistance or slow down. Connor and Natalie will discuss the book and the dark conditions of the contest.  As you can imagine, in true "Stephen King" style, there are twisted situations and issues the participants must go through until the bitter end of the story.

The Long Walk by Stephen King

Join us for Abby and Rebeka's take on this enduring classic by Stephenie Meyer.  Although you've most likely read the book or watched the movie by now, it's still a good one to re-read!  As an epic romance, it would make for a great Valentine's Day read!

Twilight

In this episode, Addison and Ally examine the popular title The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.  In typical Jenny Han fashion, this is a romance novel centered around main character, Belly Conklin, who lives and measures her life by her summer experiences with her mom's best friend and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah at their Cousins Beach home.  During the particular summer in which the book is set, Belly comes of age and begins to experience young adulthood.  She begins to be noticed by the guys as she "becomes pretty."  This is the first book in a trilogy about Belly's experiences growing into an adult and her relationships with her family and her mom's best friend's family.  It is a great read!  If you enjoy the episode, come by the library and check out the book.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Have a listen to our latest episode from our 2023 Graduating Seniors: Abby, Addison, Ally, and Austin. In this episode they discuss their favorite books and give advice for the underclassmen on the podcast team.

2023 Senior Episode

In this episode Emersyn and Lulu provide commentary on their reading of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.  A dystopian/science fiction novel, Shatter Me, follows teenage main character, Juliette, who has a supernatural ability to drain the life from anyone she touches.  As the story opens, we know that Juliette has been locked away in an asylum for 264 days due to an incident that occurred when she touched a young boy.  As the story progresses, we learn more about the dystopian society in which Juliette lives and how she fits into the agenda of the ruling Reestablishment group.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Join Julie today as she reads the first chapter of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert.  This novel is a young adult fantasy story set in a fantasy world called the Hinterland.  The main character, Alice, is the grand daughter of a fantasy writer.  Her grandmother lives on a suspicious estate called The Hazel Wood where she wrote stores about the Hinterland.  Upon her grandmother's death, Alice's mother disappears.  She was kidnapped by a figure from the Hinterland.  To retrieve her mother, she must ally herself with one of her grandmother's Hinterland super fans.  As with most classical fairy tales, things are not what they seem!  If you like what you hear, stop by the library to check out the book.  You can also find it on the SORA app!

FCF The Hazel Wood - 2:23:24, 9.06 AM

Listen to our latest First Chapter Friday episode read by Mrs. Kyzer! In this episode she reads the first chapter of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson.  If you've recently read Dance of Thieves, then you'll love this first book in the Remnant Chronicles!  It is an older YA fantasy novel, but definitely a good one! Come by the library and check it out, if you like what you hear!

First Chapter Friday: The Kiss Of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Join Helen this week as she reads the first chapter of the middle level book, Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper.  The novel explores the life and world of 11 year old Melanie who has severe cerebral palsy.  Although she cannot walk or talk, Melanie is very intelligent with a photographic memory.  She is often dismissed by her classmates who do not take the time to know her due to her inability to communicate with them.  However, Melanie refuses to be defined by her disability.  If you like what year, check it out on SORA/Libby or at your local library.

FCF Out Of My Mind

Welcome to Bookmarked, the Benton High School student led literary podcast!  This is only a small sample of our podcast episodes.  Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and the Podbean app for a complete list!

The Long Walk by Stephen King

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